Latest news with #alpine
CBS News
07-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
Hiker saved by "four-legged hero" Chihuahua after falling into Swiss glacier crevasse
If you're told to envision an alpine rescue dog, you'll likely conjure up a mental image of a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd. A long-haired Chihuahua probably would not spring to mind. But it may be time to give the diminutive yappers some due respect. A man — who has not been named — was hiking Friday on the Fee Glacier in southern Switzerland, with his white and brown long-haired Chihuahua, when he took a step on a snow bridge and plunged suddenly 26 feet into a crevasse. A photo shared by the Air Zermatt rescue service shows the "four-legged hero" Chihuahua who helped save his owners life, July 4, 2025. Air Zermatt Stuck deep in the glacier ice, the man used an amateur walkie-talkie he was carrying to call for help, according to a statement posted online by the Air Zermatt rescue service. A person nearby received the distress call and relayed it to emergency services, but they were unable to locate the man, according to Air Zermatt. When an Air Zermatt helicopter rescue team reached the area in the afternoon, the service said the hunt for the missing man, "proved difficult. The glacier surface was wide and the hole was barely visible." "Then a decisive moment," the statement continued: "One of the rescue specialists spotted a small movement on a rock: the Chihuahua!" The tiny dog was seen perched right next to the hole into which its owner had fallen. The Chihuahua is seen by the hole in the glacier from which his owner was rescued, July 4, 2025, in a photo shared by the Air Zermatt rescue service. Air Zermatt "Thanks to the dog's behavior, the crew was able to locate the exact site of the accident. The rescuers abseiled down to the casualty and were able to save him," Air Zermatt said. "The little dog did not move during the entire operation and closely followed every movement of the rescue specialists," the company, which also operates a regional airline, said. "It is fair to say that his behavior contributed significantly to the successful rescue. The dog is a four-legged hero who may have saved his master's life."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Plankton can investigate crime, affect the climate and influence science
Not much attention is paid to plankton because these creatures are usually hidden from sight. They are mostly microscopic in size and live in aquatic environments, but human lives are intricately connected with plankton. The etymology of 'plankton' originates from the ancient Greek word for 'drifter.' Plankton refers to all organisms suspended in all types of waters (oceans, lakes, rivers and even groundwaters), including viruses, bacteria, insects, larval fish and jellyfish. Plankton come in many shapes and sizes, but what unites all of them is a tendency to drift with currents. Read more: There are both plant (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) types, as well as organisms that blur the line by belonging to both. These include carnivorous plants or photosynthesizing animals (mixoplankton). We are an international group of researchers working on plankton that inhabit aquatic waters from high alpine lakes to the deep oceans. We represent a much larger consortium of researchers (the Plankton Passionates) who have recently considered all the ways in which plankton are crucial for human well-being, society, activity and life on our planet. In our work, we have identified six broad themes that allow us to classify the value of plankton. Plankton are integral to the ecological functioning of all aquatic environments. For example, phytoplankton use photosynthesis to create biomass that is transferred throughout the ecosystem, much as plants and trees do on land. Phytoplankton are mostly eaten by zooplankton, which are in turn prime food for fish like sardines and herring. These small fish are fed upon by larger fish and birds. That means healthy food-web functioning is critically sustained by plankton. Plankton play a critical role in other ways that affect the ecological functioning of aquatic environments. Specifically, plankton affect the cycles of matter and the bio-geochemistry of their ecosystems. While phytoplankton use sunlight to grow and reproduce, they also move nutrients, oxygen and carbon around. Phytoplankton are an essential climate variable — studying them provides key indicators for planetary health and climate change — because they capture carbon dioxide (CO2). When phytoplankton are eaten by zooplankton, and these animals die and sink to the bottom of water bodies, this stores carbon away from the atmosphere to where it can no longer contribute to climate change; this process is known as the biological carbon pump. However, other plankton, primarily bacteria and fungi, are involved in decomposition of dead material that remains in the water column and their activity recycles chemical elements essential for other organisms. Together with the biological carbon pump, this decomposition activity can have global consequences in climate regulation. Plankton have also played a role in several human endeavours, including the evolution of science itself advancing many theoretical developments in ecology, such as the study of biodiversity. This diversity of plankton forms — including organisms that look like crystals or jewelry — have fascinated researchers. Several theories or frameworks used throughout ecology have emerged from studying plankton, but their applications go further. For example, Russian biologist Georgy Gause observed competition among plankton, leading to his competitive exclusion principle that's now commonly applied in socioeconomic contexts. Breakthroughs and even Nobel Prizes (medicine) have stemmed from the study of plankton (jellyfish stings, advancing allergy studies. Similarly, research on freshwater ciliate telomeres and the use of fluorescent jellyfish proteins have contributed to further understanding of ageing and cancer. Certain plankton species are used as diagnostic tools in forensic science. Others are often used as models in biomedical and ecotoxicological research. Because of their foundational role in aquatic food webs, plankton are critical to many human economies. Many planktonic organisms are cultured directly for human consumption including jellyfish, krill, shrimp and copepod zooplankton. Virtually all protein in aquatic ecosystems comes from plankton. Some are used as supplements, such as spirulina powder or omega-3 vitamins from krill or copepods. Several plankton-derived compounds are highly prized in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, including some plankton toxins used for their immune-stimulating effects. Luciferases are a group of enzymes produced by bioluminescent organisms, including many marine plankton, and are also important in biomedical research. On the other hand, plankton can also lead to high economic costs when harmful algal blooms, like toxic red tides, occur along coastlines or cyanobacterial blooms arise in lakes. Finally, our research considers the role of plankton in human culture, recreation and well-being. Beyond their use as a food source and in medicine, plankton can be culturally important. Bioluminescent marine dinoflagellates create incredibly powerful nighttime displays in coastal regions, forming the basis for cultural events and tourist attractions. Diatoms are a type of phytoplankton present in all aquatic ecosystems, and their silica-rich skeletons have been used for flint tools during the Stone Age and as opal in jewelry. The often strange structural forms of plankton have inspired architects and engineers, including the designers of Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and the former Monumental Gate (Porte Binet) in Paris. Plankton have inspired many artists, the first being biologist Ernst Haeckel. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services adopted the Life Framework of Values. This framework centres living from, with, in and as nature as a position from which to inform policies around biodiversity and ecosystem services. Plankton are critical to all of these components. We all benefit from plankton due to their essential role in regulating aquatic habitats, their long-term involvement in climate regulation and the vital resources they provide to humanity. Humanity lives with plankton as their incredible diversity connects life across land and water and is one of the driving forces behind Earth's ecological stability and ecosystem services that we value. Plankton are part of humanity's living in nature, which emphasizes their vital role in our identity, lifestyles and culture. Plankton profoundly affect communities bordering water, but also those further away through plankton-inspired art and design. Finally, living as nature highlights the physical, mental and spiritual interconnectedness with the natural world. We need to better recognize the value of plankton as a resource, and as an essential part of stabilizing Earth systems and maintaining them for human well-being. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organisation bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Beatrix Beisner, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM); Maria Grigoratou, Umeå University; Sakina-Dorothée Ayata, Sorbonne Université, and Susanne Menden-Deuer, University of Rhode Island Read more: We study 'planktivores' – and found an amazing diversity of shapes among plankton-feeding fishes Tiny oceanic plankton adapted to warming during the last ice age, but probably won't survive future climate change – new study Sea plankton shells hold key to millions of years of climate data Beatrix Beisner receives funding from NSERC. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Plankton Research (Oxford University Press) and a member of the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie (GRIL), an FRQNT-funded network. Maria Grigoratou receives funding from the NSF project WARMEM (OCE-1851866) and the EU-funded HORIZON Europe projects EU4OceanObs2.0 and BioEcoOcean (101136748) to Maria Grigoratou. Maria is now affiliated with the European Polar Board. Sakina-Dorothée Ayata receives funding from the European Commission (NECCTON, iMagine, Blue-Cloud2026 projects), the French National Research Agency (ANR, Traitzoo project), and the Institut Universitaire de France (IUF). Susanne Menden-Deuer receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and NASA.
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Previously poached West Coast green gecko seen alive and well in wild
The West Coast green gecko was spotted in May. Photo: Alexis DEKEYNE A previously poached West Coast green gecko has been seen alive and well more than a year after being released back into the wild. The gecko was one of three protected native females illegally taken and held in captivity until they were discovered during a Department of Conservation (DOC) investigation in 2022. The geckos required life-saving surgery at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University's Wildbase Hospital to remove stuck eggs and after successful recuperation, the trio were returned to their alpine home in November 2023. In May, a nature photographer saw a striking, bright green gecko on a tree in a West Coast conservation area and uploaded photos to iNaturalist NZ - Mātaki Taiao - to share their observation. The photo was spotted by New Zealand Herpetological Society president Nick Harker who recognised the unique markings along the lizard's back. A check of previous photos confirmed the gecko's identity. He said it was amazing to see the gecko alive and apparently well after the ordeal. Photo: Alexis DEKEYNE "She and two of her friends were stolen, smuggled to the North Island, kept in captivity and then had major surgery - which is a lot to go through. This gecko species is sensitive to changes in its environment and vulnerable to a range of threats, so we were delighted to see her alive," he said. "West Coast green geckos have fragmented populations and often live in isolated pockets, so every individual - and especially every female - is important." DOC senior technical advisor Lynn Adams said the gecko sighting showed the power of citizen science in monitoring and identifying lizards. "Green geckos live in trees and are highly camouflaged, making them difficult to see and monitor. We love it when people share their observations and photos, which in this case confirmed the survival of the repatriated gecko," she said. "Photos of lizards sent to us or posted to iNaturalist and other sites have helped identify new species and new populations we didn't know about." As a result of DOC's investigation, Halcombe man Richard Brosnan was fined $7000 for holding 63 geckos and skinks from 11 different species in 2023. DOC said the photos showed the gecko with wrinkled flanks - a sign it might have given birth - and a faint surgical scar. The threatened West Coast green gecko might only breed every two to three years, producing just one or two young, DOC said. Introduced predators such as mice, rats, stoats, cats and even wasps posed a threat to lizards. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
ABC News
24-06-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Family's nightmare in Tasmanian blizzard conditions cited in plea to bushwalkers
With snowfalls predicted overnight in alpine regions, Tasmanian authorities are urging those planning hikes in the wilderness to be prepared, citing the high number of rescues of people ill-equipped for the "harsh" conditions. The Tasmania Police search and rescue helicopter crew has been called out to "almost 200 missions in the 2024/25 financial year", with a number of these rescue incidents "avoidable had people undertaken better planning and preparation", Tasmania Police said. One incident involved two walkers who underestimated the terrain and distance of a walk, believing they would complete the track in 6 hours, police said. The pair was rescued by the helicopter crew after spending a night in "near-freezing conditions". A similar incident involved a "family with a small child that spent two nights huddled together in blizzard conditions in the state's north". The group was unprepared and "only equipped for a day's walking", police said. When the weather turned, they became disoriented and lost. Remote search and rescue personnel located the group the next day and provided medical assistance until the rescue helicopter could attend and extract the group. Bushwalkers have been advised that snow "as low as 500 metres" is expected during Wednesday, and "hazardous conditions are expected to occur in parts of the Western and Central Plateau forecast districts". Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Acting Inspector Paul Johns urged people to adequately plan and prepare before they ventured into the Tasmanian outdoors. "At any time of the year, it's important people research their intended trip, have appropriate equipment and that the walk or the track they are attempting is within their abilities and fitness level," he said. "Tasmania's weather conditions, particularly in our alpine areas, can change quickly. Acting Inspector Johns said it was important that people who felt they were in difficulty did not leave it to the last minute to seek advice or raise the alarm. "Due to the harsh and inclement weather conditions experienced in Tasmania, there are times the rescue helicopter will not be able to reach certain locations," he said. "Rescue personnel will be in attendance: however, if you find yourself in a situation where you believe you require assistance, let people or emergency services know as soon as possible. "Being able to locate people in the wilderness from the helicopter during daylight hours is safer and far less complex than when the sun goes down.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
James Argent's ex Nicoline posts emotional message about ‘life taking you to rock bottom' after Towie star assault
JAMES Argent's ex Nicoline has shared an emotional message online after he turned on her last month. Nicoline, 32, shared a post about 'life taking you to rock bottom' after former Towie star James Argent turned on the former Miss World while they were at their home in Spain in May. 5 5 5 The Swedish fashion model took to Instagram on Tuesday to share some smiley snaps of herself at four-star alpine chalet Hotel Maribel Sierra Nevada. Wearing an all red ensemble, and carrying a Louis Vuttion holdall, Nicoline smiled for the camera. While sharing snaps from the lavish location, Nicoline penned a caption about "emotional abuse recovery", which she stated in a hashtag towards the end. In the caption, she penned: "Partner with the right power! Meaning - Surround yourself with ONLY people who shares the motto of wanting to be their best extraordinary self with you and others." She added: "In the midst of a setback there is a comeback laying ahead of you. "I'm so blessed and privileged to be learning from our dear family friend Tim Storey." Nicoline went on: "I thank each and every one of you for all your supportive kindness & love you've been showing me - It means more than you'll ever know! I appreciate you all so much. "Going through hardships, your focus will be put to a test. Where you re-direct your mindset will be crucial. "This does not mean to suppress any emotions or feelings - It means to go through them fully no matter how hard it is." She concluded: "The power of humanity is that we cheer each other on when good things are happening and we help each other out when life take you rock bottom. So let's come together! Horrific injuries James Argent inflicted on his beauty queen girlfriend revealed as star avoids jail for horror attack "Surround yourself with pure and warmhearted people who will be there with you and let them know they matter to you. "I feel so passionate about helping others going through big as small hurdles to show you life has a plan for you. "Remember, we stand strongest together." At the end of the post, Nicoline shared a series of hashtags including: #NarcissisticAbuseAwareness, #HealingJourney, #TruthIsPower, #WomensVoicesMatter, #SurvivorStrong, #EmotionalAbuseRecovery ,#BreakTheCycle, and #YouAreNotAlone. Last month Arg was arrested and spent several hours in police cells before admitting a charge of domestic violence in court. Nicoline spoke out in a statement - confessing: 'My fractures on my body have finally healed but I'm wounded inside.' Recalling the traumatic experience, she said: 'I was brutally thrown out of our new home in the middle of the night wearing only my pyjamas. 'I opened the door to let him in and only minutes after, I found myself laying down on the stairs outside our house. My clothes and belongings were being thrown out from the balcony down on me. I was injured.' She said: "I felt there were too many people in our relationship: me, my boyfriend and his ex. 'Three's a crowd', they say. "I asked so many times if we could be just the two of us, but the answer was a strong NO. "I experienced what I can only describe as targeted emotional distress which he allowed to continue.' Nicoline continued: "After being together for one year my boyfriend finally promised me that he would have boundaries. "He would put a stop to all that had been going on for months. "But he didn't. Instead he broke the promise and her controlling behaviour continued. The rest is history." Nicoline went on to thank the people who came to her aid and added: "I have tried to understand why. "I have cried so many tears thinking about the way he chose to hurt me. He said he loved me and I believed him and here we are. "There is now a legal record of what happened. Violence has no excuse - no matter how much love preceded it." James Argent was handed a six month suspended sentence and a two-year restraining order banning him from contacting Nicoline. 5
